Green Card Through Family Members

Many people get green cards (become permanent residents) through family members. While it is one of the easiest avenues to obtaining a green card, depending on whether a person is eligible as an immediate relative or in one of the preference categories, it can also be one of the slowest routes.

This section explores how one can get a green card through a US citizen family member (except a spouse, which is discussed separately).

Parents of U.S. citizen children over 21 years of age, and unmarried children of U.S. citizens can qualify for a green card as an immediate relative. The immediate relative category has no annual quota restrictions, making this avenue one of the faster routes to a green card.

The other categories for obtaining a green card through a family member are broken down into four preference categories. Each category has an annual visa quota restriction, making the wait for a visa range from five to twelve years. Unfortunately, citizens and nationals from India, Mexico, and the Philippines have to wait longer. The preference categories are as follows:

First preference: Unmarried people of any age, with at least one U.S. citizen parent.

Second preference: 2A: Spouses and children under 21, of green card holders; 2B Unmarried sons and daughters of green card holders who are at least 21.

Third preference: Married people of any age, with at least one U.S. citizen parent.

Fourth preference: Sisters and brothers of U.S. citizens, where the citizen is at least 21.